1. Do a paid Facebook app download campaign.2. Mention your weather app virtues specific to hurricane related needs. This could be weather content or hurricane prep content that you have.3. Drive the app as being powered by your team of hurricane experts. Give them specific roles they have in supporting the app experience.4. Give mets time in the newscasts to talk about the app. Consider creating short packages/long bumps that weather team members can reference.5. Have the apps specifically mentioned in ALL hurricane related content.6. Encourage your staff to say they have the app and are using it right now.7. Do more promos on air, making sure it isn’t a generic app download campaign.8. Tell the audience that hundreds or thousands have downloaded the app to have the very latest on the tracks of storms headed our way.9. Proof your apps in newscasts and weather including any push notifications. Mention how you are going to have this capability to warn during a hurricane.10. Track your app downloads and talk about the focus, the different responsibilities, and the reviews you are getting each day in the AM editorial meetings.

What does back to school time mean to you and your station? For number one stations it means an exciting opportunity to connect with viewers throughout the region. While too many stations confuse back to school with features on backpacks and bus stop forecasts starting up again, smart stations realize that back to school isn’t just about the kids ending their summer break but a fundamental change to the market.

Back to school is back to five important developments that smart stations take full advantage of:

1. Back to SchoolCertainly there are a big set of stories to be had with back to school, ones that touch almost every part of the station from sales to news, from traffic to weather to the sports department. Smart stations realize that back to school coverage isn’t just aimed at busy parents but recognizes that schools (including colleges and universities) are big employers in the region, are one of the biggest tax spends by local governments, and a new school year speaks to key issues facing the community such as drug abuse, gun violence, and other important issues that often benefit from the station’s investigative team taking a closer look, creating stories that are timely, relevant and speak to the entire market, not just parents.

First, new business is a game of quality over quantity. When we ask our account executives for their list of “current prospects” we are often surprised to see them bring an alphabetized list of over 50 accounts. How can a person make progress on anything if they are calling on 50 accounts!? Instead, focus on 6-8quality prospects at a time and put them in order of strength. Set individual goals for each account and put outlook reminders in your calendar to accomplish certain tasks like…

BRIDGE TO DISASTER - KSDK investigates the crumbling infrastructure that puts millions in jeopardy in a state near the bottom of the list when it comes to bridges. Where does your state or states stand? The bridge investigation is a data driven effort so here is a different take on how to tackle the story here from the University of Missouri’s Reynolds Journalism Institute.

PUPPY MILLS - Is your state one of those on the “Horrible Hundred” list? What should you look for if you’re looking for a dog? This is a highly shareable type of story that could also enhance your social media efforts as your community weighs in on what they see and hear.

DIGITAL HEROIN - Maybe there’s just a fine line between being hooked on opioids and being hooked on your digital devices. Gaming is exploding, so are esports so what are the clinical signs of screen addiction? Help your audience get out ahead of it so their kids don’t follow in their addicted footsteps.